Tama

Tama Drums, a renowned brand of drum kits and hardware, is synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of percussion instruments. These exceptional musical instruments are manufactured and proudly marketed by the esteemed Japanese company, Hoshino Gakki. The story of Tama Drums is a fascinating journey through time, craftsmanship, and musical excellence.

The heart and soul of Tama's research and development, as well as the production of their professional and premium drums, reside in Seto, Japan. This city is a hub of craftsmanship and precision, where the art of drum making is elevated to new heights. However, Tama's dedication to delivering exceptional drums to musicians of all levels extends beyond Japanese borders. To cater to a broader audience, they also manufacture hardware and more affordable drum kits in Guangzhou, China.

Hoshino Gakki, the parent company behind Tama Drums, has established a global presence with several offices dedicated to marketing and wholesale distribution. For the discerning U.S. market, Tama drums find their home at Hoshino (U.S.A.) in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. This subsidiary not only assembles and stocks Tama's drums but also plays a crucial role in the brand's ongoing market research and development efforts.

The roots of Tama Drums trace back to 1961 when Hoshino Gakki ventured into drum manufacturing under the name "Star Drums." The name "Hoshino," which means "star field" in Japanese and is the family name of the company's founder, inspired this brand choice. At that time, the production of these drums took place at Hoshino's subsidiary, Tama Seisakusho, which was initially established in 1962 for crafting Ibanez guitars and amplifiers. While guitar and amplifier production eventually moved elsewhere, the drum manufacturing at Tama Seisakusho continued to flourish. The Imperial Star and Royal Star drum lines, targeted at the American market, emerged during this period and competed favorably with higher-priced American-made drums from companies like Rogers, Ludwig, and Slingerland.

As the years rolled on, in 1974, Hoshino Gakki made a pivotal decision to focus on producing high-quality drums and hardware. This marked the genesis of the Tama brand as we know it today. Interestingly, "Tama" is not only a homage to the founder's wife but also a homophone for the Japanese word that signifies "jewel." The enduring influence of the "Star" legacy is evident in the names of Tama's drum models, a testament to their commitment to quality and heritage.

One pivotal chapter in Tama's history was the acquisition of the bankrupt Camco Drum Company, in partnership with Drum Workshop (DW). This strategic move brought DW the Camco tooling and manufacturing equipment, while Tama gained the Camco name, designs, engineering, and patent rights.

Notably, Camco was renowned for producing what was then considered the best drum pedal in the market. DW continued to manufacture the pedal, rebranding it as the DW5000, while Tama reintroduced it under the Camco name. To distinguish it from the original Camco pedal, Tama's version earned the nickname "Tamco pedal." The infusion of Camco's engineering expertise into Tama's production process led to an immediate and remarkable increase in the overall quality of Tama drums.

Originally, the plan was to position low-end Tama drums for beginners and use the Camco brand to market high-end drums to professional musicians. However, even the pros couldn't resist the allure of Tama drums due to their affordability combined with the now elevated hardware quality.

Tama Drums has been a pioneer in offering super heavy-duty hardware and innovative drum mounting systems that don't intrude into the shell, setting them apart from their competitors in the 1970s. Additionally, they introduced a unique percussion innovation known as Octobans. These tubular drums, with a distinctive 6-inch diameter, come in eight different lengths (hence the "octo-" prefix) of up to 600mm (23.62 in). Their varying pitch is achieved through different shell lengths rather than widths, showcasing Tama's commitment to pushing the boundaries of drum design.

In summary, Tama Drums is not just a brand; it's a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to providing drummers of all levels with instruments that shine like jewels in the world of music. With a rich history spanning decades, Tama continues to set the beat for excellence in drumming, all while honoring its starry legacy.